Mall-lite 8: Wetzel’s Pretzels (5) vs Hot Topic (1)

Episode notes

The Mall-lite 8 continues with Food Court vs Mixed Nuts. Snacks vs Scene. Wetzel’s Pretzels vs Hot Topic!

Wetzel’s Pretzels was our fifth seed in the Food Court and has surprised all but one of us with its win after win. Gen-Z correspondent Ashley Dueñas knew all along what kind of contender we had on our napkin-covered hands. We talk about shopping while pretzeling, the story behind their founders, and if we think it has what it takes to make it to the Final Floor.

Facing the pretzel stand that won’t quit is the number one seed in the Mixed Nuts region, Hot Topic. After handily taking down mall icons along the way, Hot Topic finds itself facing the question du jour when it comes to mall stores: Is it still relevant? We dive into what Hot Topic has provided to generations of adolescents, our memories, and whatever “scene” might be.

Wanna get involved? Find us on social media @maxfunhq and participate in our mall polls! But be quick, because votes close in 24 hours.

Find the March Malldness bracket here: maximumfun.org/march-malldness-brackets/

MaxFunDrive ends on March 29, 2024! Support us now by becoming a member at maximumfun.org/join.